Description
VIN WBADR52040BH99030
L812ANational version Great Britain
P337AM Sports package
S210ADynamic stability control
S220ASelf-levelling suspension
S227ASport suspension+lowered+ride-height
S249AMultifunction f steering wheel
S302AAlarm system
S386ARoof railing
S403AGlass roof, electrical
S428AWarning triangle and first aid kit
S431AInterior mirror with automatic-dip
S434AInterior surface aluminium
S441ASmoker package
S459ASeat adjuster, electric, with memory
S473AArmrest front
S481ASports seat
S500AHeadlight wipe/ wash/ Intensive cleaning
S508APark Distance Control (PDC)
S520AFog lights
S522AXenon Light
S534AAutomatic air conditioning
S555AOn-board computer V with remote control
S602AOn-board monitor with TV
S609ANavigation system Professional
S632APreparation BMW Handy (Motorola)
S672ACD changer for 6 CDs
S694AProvisions for BMW 6 CD changer
S710AM sports steering wheel, multifunction
S715AM Aerodynamics package
S760AHigh gloss shadow line
S775AHeadlining anthracite
S785AWhite direction indicator lights
S788ABMW LA wheel, Individual
S850ADummy-SALAPA
S853ALanguage version English
S863ARetailer Directory Europe
S877ADelete cross-pattern operation
S880AOn-board vehicle literature English
Also has the complete factory towbar!
Modifications/ upgrades carried out before I bought it:
Bilstein B8 front and Bilstein B6 rear shocks with some eibach pro kit front springs along with some new genuine BMW top mounts
Staggered style 37's, Michelin tyres.
Rear door blind retro fit
Illuminated M gearknob
Later M-Sport Steering wheel with new airbag (BMW recall carried out)
Upgrade to later mk4 DVD based sat nav and menu graphics.
Intravee installed for ipod/ iphone connectivity.
Replica M5 mirrors.
Tinted rear/ side windows.
Rear Silencer “delete” (still have original silencer stored).
Genuine BMW rubber boot mat.
Powerflex thrust arm bushes.
15mm front wheel spacers.
Bits carried out in my ownership - loads of receipts!:
General service bits, oil, filters, plugs etc. Vacuum hoses replaced, various other bits, clips etc replaced. New wiper blades.
New inner/ outer steering tie-rods.
Brake refresh, new pads, discs etc. New front calipers, braided hoses.
Brand new ABS module (after trifecta issues)
SLS solenoid replaced with new aerosus unit.
Thermostat housing & top rad hose replaced.
Bonnet & Tailgate gas struts replaced with new genuine items.
Carbon wrapped interior trim (original silver trim stored safely)
LED interior lights.
Gearshift gaiter replaced
Storage netting from later/ other models retrofitted in passenger footwell and boot area.
Later Hybrid TV module fitted to give basic digital Television.
New rear tyres, maybe 1000 miles.
M5 rear Anti-Roll Bar & Power-flex rear ARB bushes.
New rear Toe bolts. (And full alignment carried out)
Sliding armrest installed.
US Spec rear outer tail lights (All Red).
Brand new, genuine ‘V8’ kidney grills fitted.
Traffic master controls removed, Cup-holders installed.
Brand new OEM n/ s door lock actuator solenoid fitted.
Climair “sport” smoked wind-deflectors.
Other Parts/ Spares acquired but not got round to fitting:
Complete spare set of rear blind doorcards, blinds and trims. (Extended leather handles)
Extended leather front door handles for retro-fit.
M5 Servotronic Steering box (refurbished) - complete with conversion loom I built to carry out conversion.
M5 front Anti Roll Bar (and powerflex bushes).
Refurbished Valve Covers, painted titan silver.
Powerflex bushes for original ARB.
Complete 4 door set of vapour barriers (new)
New genuine door mouldings (with ‘M’ logo on front doors)
New windscreen rubber trim
Various door trim rubbers/ seals
New tailgate surround plastics
Original wing mirrors , replaced one of the mirror bases due to corrosion, all the clips on the covers repaired.
New genuine twin horns
New bonnet release cables
A box load of trim clips, screws, seals, covers etc.
Bits for rear (luggage compartment) 12v socket retro-fit.
Yakima low profile roof bars.
KW front coilovers (2nd hand)
Brand new TYC Headlight lens (pair) for rebuild/ refresh. + new genuine top rubbers.
New ATE front “powerdisc” brake discs
New FAG front wheel bearings (both sides)
New genuine brake disc dust shields. (Both sides).
Braided ABS unit short brake hoses.
X3 3. 0d dials (to use the silver trim ring bezel)
Bad bits:
Small dent in roof from fallen branch in recent storm. (Easy PDR repair)
Windscreen has internal scratch.
Driver & Passenger side windows have scratches.
Rear bumper has damage - parking sensors still work.
Sills starting to rust.
Rust bubbling at rear end of driver side rear arch.
Corner of bonnet rusty.
Tailgate starting to rust in usual places.
Usual small dents/ dings/ scratches for a 20+ year old car.
Slight Rumble from front wheel bearings (hence replacements provided)
Slight judder from front brakes (new discs provided for when front bearings replaced)Time has come to sell my E39 touring.
I bought it at the end of 2020, having owned a 530i saloon for many years (and many miles!)
I had planned to keep this car and do a full restoration on it, however a change of job, a company car, and a few other project cars already mean I just can’t justify it any more.
Not a bad spec out of the box, it was a BMW staff car originally so someone got to choose an interesting company car.
During its history, with a number of owners it’s had a large amount of parts/ maintenance… cooling system, chain guides, suspension bits etc. Generally very well looked after, and plenty of history/ receipts.
After doing a little digging it turns out only 13 facelift manual 540i sport tourings were registered in the UK and only 6 remain!
I’m not trying to hide anything with the car, I think it’s a really good base, and the perfect car to carry out a restoration on.
Due to what it is, and its rarity, it’s certainly worth the investment, and is deserving of some TLC. I’m gutted it’s not going to be me doing it.
In coming years, manual V8 cars will really come into their own, and be highly sought after. Especially in something so family friendly and practical. It’s definitely a sleeper, and one of those cars that gets appreciated by those in the know.
Car is ULEZ Compliant!
Cant beat the V8 Rumble!
